Are you a beginning or small farmer in eastern MA? Do you need help registering your farm with the USDA Farm Service Agency? Do you want to accept Senior Farmers Market Nutrition and WIC Coupons at your local farmers market? What about SNAP and HIP? Do you have questions for Extension or MDAR representatives?
If you answered “yes!” to any of these questions, register and save the date for the New Entry Farmer Resource Fair. This unique event will bring together essential farm service providers so you can get all your questions answered and register for programs right on the spot!
We encourage you to schedule an appointment in advance with the vendors for personal 1:1 support in the application process. We will email you in advance to let you know what documents to bring to your appointment.
Vendor Registration:
We are currently accepting vendor applications for the resource fair. Vendor Registration here.
What service providers will be attending?
Events like this, has generally had attendance with representatives from:
USDA Farm Service Agency County Office:* Register your farm with FSA at the fair. Registering your farm allows you access to FSA programs, loans, and other USDA grant opportunities.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): Take an NRCS-led field walk focused on conservation practices and opportunities. Learn about EQIP and other funding opportunities which you can take advantage of after registering with FSA.
UMass Extension Vegetable Team: Scout for pests and learn pest identification.
UMass Extension Risk Management Team: Learn about crop insurance to protect your investments on the farm.
USDA Food and Nutrition Services:* Apply at the fair to accept SNAP payments. An FNS representative will be taking virtual appointments during the fair to walk you through the application process to secure your FNS number.
MA Dept of Agricultural Resources, Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupons:* Apply at the fair to be able to redeem the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition and WIC coupons.
MA Dept of Transitional Assistance: Apply to become a Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) Vendor and for SNAP Equipment Grants.
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project: Participate in a hands-on soil quality assessment workshop with the New Entry Farmer Training Team. Take home your own soil quality testing equipment.
In addition to these great opportunities, wander through the historic barn to learn about and meet other important farm service providers.
Confirmed guests for 2023 include (more updates coming soon!):
New Entry Food Hub - Learn about market channel opportunities through the New Entry Food Hub.
Tufts Pollinator Initiative - Join Tufts Pollinator Initiative experts for a guided pollinator safari. We will spy tiny herbivores grazing on leaves, watch fierce predators hunting prey, and witness the spectacle of animal migration…all in the middle of the farm. Safaris are suitable for all ages, and everyone will get a chance to get up close with our gentle pollinators.